From spending a few days at a luxury five-star establishment to ‘roughing it’ on the banks of a river, there are many different ways you can welcome the New Year.

How will you welcome 2010?

Various hotels and resorts will be offering special packages over the holiday period. Vineyard Hotel and Spa on the banks of the Liesbeeck River in Cape Town has two restaurants, two heated swimming pools and a fitness centre. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Square Restaurant with a five course meal and live entertainment (R850 pp).

Fancourt Hotel on the Garden Route, will host two New Year’s Eve parties, one at the Banquet Hall (R950) and one at the Links Lodge (R590). Reasons to make this an extended trip include a range of therapies, treatments and leisure activities (the hotel boasts three Gary Player-designed golf courses) as well as various interesting tourist destinations nearby.

The Misty Hills Country Hotel in Gauteng, is a four star hotel with conference centre and spa. Their New Year’s package consists of a dinner dance at the Carnivore, and brunch the following day (R699 pp).

The Magoebaskloof Hotel in Limpopo, not too far from Kruger National Park, offers a three night package, including a New Year’s Eve buffet dinner and musical entertainment. Various activities in the area include forest drives and walks, birding, water sports, abseiling, elephant back-rides, trout and bass fishing. (Prices range from R550 to R765 per night depending on number of people and type of accommodation).

Bushwhacked Adventures hosts a New Year’s Bush Bash at Elkoweru Guest House in Namaqualand with performances by Skallabrak and AlterEgo.

If you’d like to spend the evening alongside one of South Africa’s many beautiful rivers, Rock the River New Year’s Eve party will be held on the banks of the Breede River, 80 minutes from Cape Town (Camping - R380, R120 for an extra night, dorm rooms - R450, R150 for an extra night).

Felix Unite organises trips along the Orange or Breede River. Currently on offer is a three night trip along the Orange River, departing on 30 December from Gardens, Cape Town. Enjoy New Year’s Eve with a buffet meal and live music under a star studded sky. Transport is included, as well as camping fees and equipment, and seven meals. Excluded is a sleeping bag, drinks (no glass policy) and meals on transit days (R1250 pp).

There are other ways to get in touch with nature during this time. A two day trip to Table Mountain begins at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on 31 December at 14:00 and offers relaxing walks, stunning views, pre-dinner cocktails, a braai, desert and champagne, as well as breakfast and a picnic the next day (R1250 pp, maximum 12 people).

A Moonlight Meander will be held between 18:00 and 20:00 on Muizenberg Beach, which has recently been awarded blue flag status. The walk is free but donations are welcome as it is a Safer Together fundraising initiative. There are plans for music, dancing and drumming. Meet at the Safer Together table in front of the Knead Bakery and Restaurant.

The Red Skei New Year’s Gathering will take place over two days at the Bomvu Backpackers in Coffee Bay, Transkei. 2000 people are expected to attend this event, which includes live entertainment, drumming workshops, food stalls and beautiful beaches (Pre-paid tickets cost R40 on Wednesday, R200 or R220 on Thursday, children under 12 are free).

If you want to get away from the crowds, Nieu Bethesda in the Karoo will offer you the peace and quiet you need. Beautiful handmade paper lanterns light up the Festival of Lights procession. You can make your own lantern at a Bethesda Arts Centre workshop. Other fun things to do include visiting the famous Owl House or going on a donkey tour.

It will be difficult to choose just one event on Thursday 31 December. Restaurants, bars and clubs all over the country will offer various ways to party into 2010. Radio stations will host numerous parties around the country, which will provide you with good music by renowned performers. KFM celebrates the New Year at Kirstenbosch, Tuks FM will host a party in Hatfield Square in Pretoria, and 5FM will be rocking Durban, Ballito and the V&A Waterfront. Don’t forget the festivities and midnight fireworks at the Waterfront!

If your two favourite things happen to be Mediterranean cuisine and ‘performing waiters’, then Stardust restaurant is the place for you! Here you can enjoy a delicious New Year’s Eve meal, served by professional performers or students from Cape Town arts schools.

These are just a few of the options available to you this New Year’s Eve. Whether you want to celebrate over a few days or just one night, in your hometown or somewhere else, spend lots of money or none at all, rest assured that you will find something to your liking!